I'm a 32 male! My mother has always had hand me down sewing machines and never had a new one. She just makes due with what she has. She's real old school and quilting and sewing is in her blood. She has hand made quilts for many years and her mother (my grandma) hand made quilts and clothes. I'm not sure why she hasn't ever bought her self a new one. Anyway, I know nothing about sewing machines....please help. This is a very special Christmas present....$400-$600 range is what I have to spend. I went to order one online and they have so many options that I know nothing about. Thank you!

I'd get her a gift certificate to a local machine dealer, tell her that it's for a new machine and let her choose her own machine. What a good boy you are!!!!

That is what I was thinking, but I want to surprise her Christmas morning when she comes to stay with my family. She can always exchange it.

What about this one? I know emb machines can cost thousands because she showed me a few one time but do these affordable emb machines hold up and do what they are supposed to...are they worth it? I know she would sew more then just quilts but that is her main hobby.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ne#reviewsWrap

If you are going to buy one yourself read the reviews, most sellers post them. Two things to consider (besides quality & price) are the size of the hoop(s) and does the machine have USB transfer capabilities. Most of us want at least 5"X7" hoops, bigger is better. Without USB transfer she would need a conversion box of some kind to download designs from the iternet, either that or she'd be buying expensive discs with designs.

I have a Singer CE200. These have to hook directly up to a computer to use the embroidery function. The downside to these machines (including the CE150) is that you can not stitch out a 5 X 7 embroidery design, and the trend right now on embroidery designs is that being the smallest size. There still are many designs out there that fit this machine and mine. If I had to do it all over again, I would save more money and buy a bernina, pfaff, janome, that was gently used.

You may be able to upgrade to a better machine by going to a dealer and purchasing a good used embroidery machine that is still under warranty.

I know you really want to surprise her, but I would stick with a Gift Certificate or take her shopping. Everyone has certain things they want with their machine , needle up/down , walking foot, extra stitches. And I would hate for you to spend a lot of money and she is not comfortable with the machine. It may do more than she would even want to try, or be afriad to use it.Let us know how it works out

I recently was in Target and found a Brother XL3750 sewing machine on sale.. it even has a "quilting package" with it, and has very nice features. I got it on special and it was only $99. This week I was looking just out of curiosity and there was the same machine with all of the quilting "dodads" and the regular price is $141.00.. I think it's a wonderful machine and a great value. you could give her a gift certificate for fabric with it at that price.

Not always. If you do buy a machine, make sure the machine can be exchanged or returned. It may need to be returned if your mother prefers a brand that the dealer doesn't carry. Not all dealers will take a machine back once they've sold it. They will offer an exchange, but not a return.